My Alter Ego's Path to Greatness

The aftermath of the massive battle that unfolded in the northeastern part of the Ion Continent was not something that could be easily concealed. Mountain peaks that had stood tall for ages crumbled, valleys renowned for their scenic beauty were buried, and nature, including the ecosystem, was ravaged beyond recognition.

Naturally, in this world where mystical phenomena were not uncommon, such an event couldn't go unnoticed, even without direct observation. Information about the devastation inevitably reached the established powers across the continent.

"Evacuate the nearby residents, just in case!"

"Hurry! Observation team! Situation report!"

"Th-The scale of the energy… The spatial distortion is too intense; we can't confirm anything!"

This unprecedented event left the leaders of each faction aghast. It was a disaster of cataclysmic proportions, yet surprisingly, not many among the social elite were caught off guard. They had all been forewarned by reliable sources.

They knew that an 'Apostle of an Outer God,' summoned by the Immortal King, had descended upon their land, intent on destroying the world!

Kwaaang—!

And now, a group was approaching the very scene of the ongoing chaos.

"Indeed, there was a reason why High Lord warned us. Such immense energy. A pawn of an Outer God…?"

"Ahem, Briki-nim. Now's not the time to be so relaxed."

"Ugh, this… It would have been impossible to even move without High Lord's grace."

This was Hybrid's elite combat unit, dispatched on Heinz II's orders. They had rushed here as soon as they adapted to the newly bestowed 「Refined Blood Crystal」, and now they were concealed nearby, carefully observing the battlefield.

"The Hero of the Main God's Church, the War King of the southern barbarians, a High Elf of the Elven Kingdom… Hmm, he doesn't seem like an ordinary High Elf. The next Elven King, perhaps? I've only heard rumors, but they're even more impressive than I imagined. Honestly, even I'm not confident against them."

"…But our High Lord is still the strongest, isn't he?"

"Indeed. I'm certain of it after receiving his power. He would never lose, even against the Immortal King!"

"…Well, that may be true. But the problem is that monster, unfazed even by the combined attacks of all of them, including our High Lord."

"…"

The other vampires fell silent at Briki's sober assessment. The might of the 'Apostle of the Evil God from another world' was that overwhelming. Even they, brimming with loyalty after their recent power-up, couldn't argue.

'The lingering dark magic and death energy… It's definitely the Immortal King's trace. Judging by the hostile remnants, it seems they clashed. It seems he wasn't completely controlled.'

That was a relief. If there was still a connection between the Immortal King and the Apostle, the situation would be much worse.

'This is our chance, now that they're separated. Then… Huh?'

As Briki and the Hybrid elites were drawing the wrong conclusions based on misinformation…

…others were rapidly approaching their location… no, towards the very center of the chaotic battlefield. A small group, their faces grim, advancing without hesitation.

"…They're here. It's time. Let's move."

The tide of the chaotic battle began to shift.

"Graaah—!"

A massive grotesque figure charged, its monstrous maw wide open. The Heavenly Wealth Society Master frowned in disgust.

Kwaaang—!

A momentary peace followed the deafening roar. But knowing it was only temporary, his expression remained grim.

"Tsk."

The chimera's body was incredibly resistant to all forms of attack, both physical and magical, making him a troublesome opponent. Ordinary attacks couldn't even faze him, and even if he was riddled with wounds, he would instantly regenerate and attack again.

How could he not be annoyed?

'Moreover…'

It wasn't just the grotesque being, Harley. The others were just as troublesome.

Heinrich, wielding a holy sword imbued with divine flames, his aura radiating divine power.

Harris, raining down attacks from an unseen location, unleashing the power of nature.

Heinz II, appearing unexpectedly whenever he let his guard down, aiming for his throat.

And they moved in perfect coordination, complementing each other like a long-trained team. He couldn't help but admire their teamwork, even as he was on the receiving end of their attacks.

'And now… on top of that…'

He had to deal with more than just the four of them.

Swish—

Whoosh—!

It began with a volley of arrows and magic from afar. Attacks different from the elven sniper fire he'd been dealing with. New combatants had joined the fray.

"Sorry we're late, Saint-nim! Are you alright?"

"…The surrounding spatial coordinates were distorted, making direct travel difficult."

"This energy… is it Harris-nim? What are you doing here? You should be in the Enamel Continent…?"

Saintess Liesta, Archmage Isea, and the high elf Lydia, all top-tier powerhouses, had joined the battle.

"Ufufu, it's truly a sight to behold. I never imagined I'd be doing this."

"The fangs of Hybrid have arrived on High Lord's command!"

"We await your orders!"

The vampires, waiting for the right moment, intervened, offering their support. Briki, a pureblood vampire further strengthened by Heinz, was a powerful force on her own, becoming a major variable in the previously stagnant battle.

'Troublesome.'

The Society Master muttered, scanning his surroundings. He quickly assessed the situation.

'…I'll retreat. Staying here is a waste of time.'

He couldn't afford to be stuck in this one-versus-many battle. The most effective tactic for a small, powerful force against a larger one was guerrilla warfare. Forcing smaller-scale engagements was the best way to utilize his strengths.

But they wouldn't lower their guard so easily.

'Tsk, I got too greedy. I thought I could finish this quickly and leave.'

He hadn't anticipated four powerful individuals appearing one after another. Hahoe Mask's provocation must have been a trap.

Tss—

As the tension escalated…

…the Society Master sensed a subtle presence lurking nearby, waiting for an opportunity. Like a viper poised to strike.

"Are you planning to escape?"

A cold voice echoed.

The voice of the one who had given him so much trouble.

"Vampire."

He glanced over, his arrogant eyes meeting Heinz II's cold gaze.

Crack—!

The Society Master had seen countless vampires while traversing dimensions, but this was the first time he'd encountered one of this caliber. Even the Duke, a member of the Society Master's personal guard, wasn't this powerful.

'This is… Has he blocked my escape route using causality? This is troublesome.'

Unaware that Heinz had transcended his limits by consuming the Duke, the Society Master pondered his options. Heinz seemed relatively new to his newfound power, not yet fully utilizing his potential, but he was undoubtedly a near-deity. Even with his higher level, it wouldn't be easy to fight him, especially with the world's hostility directed towards him.

He could probably break through if it was just the vampire, but facing multiple opponents made it difficult. He had another option, but it was a one-time use ability he wanted to save for a more critical moment…

'…No, this could be a good opportunity. These are the strongest individuals in this world. Which means…'

…other important locations were vulnerable now that they were here. And it would take them a considerable amount of time to return to their original positions.

'I'll finish this quickly.'

He decided to use it earlier than he had planned. His 'down payment'. A portion of the karma he had received from a fallen god imprisoned in the abyss. A true deity of this world.

"······!"

Heinz II, whose senses were constantly attuned to the flow of causality, was the first to sense it, but all four avatars reacted simultaneously.

"You're not going anywhere!"

"Main God, grant me the power to judge this heretic who defiles this land!"

"Kahahaha! Come here!"

Shhh—!

A serpent of causality, guided by Heinz, lunged at the Society Master. A brilliant light, like a beam, erupted from Heinrich. Harley's body broke the sound barrier, piercing through space like a missile. Harris's arrow arrived instantly, unleashing a massive amount of energy.

"Attack!"

"Ice Nova!"

"Rip him apart!"

And the others, although a step behind, joined the attack, sensing the urgency.

Crackle—!

But…

"What a grand welcome."

It wasn't enough to stop the Society Master, who had momentarily broken free from the world's restrictions, his limits expanding with the power of divinity. He deflected most of the attacks and, with a satisfied sigh, blocked the few that reached him, including the serpent of causality.

The shackles binding him shattered, and immense power surged through his body. He glared at his attackers, but…

'I have to be patient. It won't last long.'

Ziiiing—

A ringing in his ears and a throbbing headache, side effects of the power, assaulted him, but he was used to it.

And as the pain subsided…

…coordinates materialized in his mind.

'The objective takes priority. It's essential for fulfilling the contract.'

What he needed to achieve his goal in this world.

And what his collaborator needed to return to the surface.

He postponed his retribution and began manipulating space, creating a pathway.

Crackle—! Crack!

Despite their attempts to disrupt him, including Heinz's causal manipulation, the spatial pathway slowly materialized. It took time, but he succeeded.

"Haa, persistent to the end. I have other matters to attend to. This was quite entertaining."

"Ugh, stop! You're not escaping…!"

The Society Master chuckled and took a step forward, ignoring the shouts—

—and vanished into the pathway.

His destination:

The Holy Land, the center of the Ion Continent, the most sacred ground.

As they struggled to disrupt the Society Master's pathway…

…the avatars' consciousnesses rapidly exchanged information, their thoughts accelerating.

Destination confirmed… South Gate of the Grand Temple of Roselia in the Holy Land.

Estimated time of arrival… 2 minutes 23 seconds.

'Good thing I made preparations.'

Heinrich, using 「Monarch's Authority」, conveyed his will to the Cardinals.

And as a result…

…the Society Master received a grand welcome upon his arrival.

"Activate the divine barrier!"

"In the name of our holy Main God, we shall judge the heretic!"

Tens of thousands of Templars, over a thousand priests, hundreds of paladins, and dozens of high-ranking bishops…

…chanted prayers in unison, standing on a massive divine formation.

To face the enemy of the world.